The Evansville Board of Park Commissioners on Wednesday approved a series of routine contracts and project actions, accepted a contractor credit on a splash pad project, and set a new opening date for the Garvin Park Activity Zone.

Among the approvals, the board authorized an agreement with the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) to reimburse the Parks Department for restoration of a historic trail at Bayard Park. Parks staff said the Evansville Trails Coalition and the Bayard Park Neighborhood Association had helped fundraise and that work would begin as soon as possible with a hoped-for completion by the end of the year.

The board approved a change order for the Westman Park playground restroom project to reconcile conflicting substantial-completion dates. It also voted to accept a $4,454 credit on the Teepee Park splash pad project after the contractor declined to use colored concrete due to extended cure times; the parks department will arrange off-season painting with a licensed contractor and will use the credit toward that work.

Nick Perriman, general manager at Swander Ice Arena, presented a one-year agreement with Legacy Hospitality Entertainment Group LLC to operate concessions at the arena. Perriman said the concessionaire has completed required certifications; the agreement allows the city an option to renew at the end of the year.

The board awarded the Fourth and Main Park construction contract to Midwest Construction and approved a paving contract with Dye Brothers for work at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Ace Eagles Disc Golf Organization received permission to update Tee Pad No. 1 at Mesker Park Disc Golf using its own funds ahead of a large tournament in early November. The board also approved donating passes for the YMCA annual Christmas-tree fundraiser.

Parks Director Danielle (last name not specified) gave a brief special-meeting update: the Garvin Park Activity Zone opening has been moved to Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.; formal email invitations will follow. On Mickey's Kingdom, a presenter identified as Mister Fankhauser said removal of the old surfacing took longer than planned and staffing illnesses delayed progress; the contractor declined to install a new surface over the failing base, requiring removal before the new surfacing can be laid.

The board voted to accept payroll and vendor claims and adjourned. All motions recorded in the meeting carried with board members voting aye; the transcript does not provide a numerical roll call for each vote.

The approvals will allow the Parks Department to proceed with contracting, reimbursements, and scheduled work subject to permits and standard procurement procedures.